once upon a picture

the figures stare out at me from behind glass that is reflecting light and images from the room around me; an imperfect mirror.
i recognize the faces and their smirking smiles. i try to concentrate and remember, too, what it felt like to be them on that day, before they were snapped into still photography and planted on my desk to gather dust for years.
they stand shoulder to shoulder, their heads close together, with only a small sliver of sky pouring through the gap between their ears. their stances are firm, arms flexed to showcase impressive biceps.
i remember when my body aged out of that shirt, and when those watches broke, and i had to cut off the hemp necklace in exchange for a more professional appearance. it speaks to the time that has passed between then and now.
holding the photo close to my nose, my eyes pour over our bright features, carefree expressions and smooth, young bodies. vaguely, i recall a feeling of freedom, of exhaling, of moving and doing and thinking with little difficulty or consequence. we lounged about at will and acted impulsively. we ate what we wanted, and spent time lavishly and without regret.
i am drawn to his younger image, gazing across his shapely face, his startling eyes and confident gaze. his mouth seduces me once more.
us. frozen, a motionless moment to remember the then before time moved one tick-tock at a time and here we are growing old, wrinkly and in love with one another like we did that bright, timeless day.